Category: Camp

Payson Lakes Campground, Nebo Loop Scenic Byway, Utah

Payson Lakes Campground is situated on the Nebo Loop Scenic Byway near Payson, Utah. Payson Lakes is known as a fisherman’s getaway since the series of three alpine lakes are a great place to paddle, fish or swim. But what was it like camping there?
Payson Lakes Campground boasts three loops with about twenty campsites each. At our site (B5) Big E quickly conquered this fallen giant and spent hours with his cousin walking back and forth across the log that was as tall as he was. When I finally got them focused on putting up our tent, as usual my tots had more fun playing with the tent poles than actually being helpful.

We enjoyed a canopy of tall pines for our home away from home. The bathrooms were pit toilets, not too smelly except when in use, and water was readily available. The best part of the campsite for me was its access via a tree lined trail to the largest of the Payson Lakes. Little g and I meandered this trail for almost an hour while I walked at her short legged speed to our beach site. At the end of the campground a fisherman’s parking area provided access for day use fishing, but a separate entrance before the campground also provided this.

Staying at Payson Lakes Campground made lounging by the lake an easy activity, even for my perpetually moving tots. It was a relaxing place to play and camp, and I loved the secluded feel of it all.

Tips for Camping in the Cold

I got this question from a camper friend of mine and thought I’d share it with all of you:

I am going camping this weekend for the first time with my three year old and it looks like it will be a chilly night.  How to you keep your little ones warm at night? Any words of wisdom will be greatly appreciated! 

Here are my thoughts, plus some suggestions from another experienced camper mom too:

1. Air mattresses alone get too cold, so make sure you have a foam pad or blanket under you if you use one. I usually put my kids on a Camp Bed like this one from REI.

2. Dress warm, obviously. I put my tots in their warmest winter pjs before bed and nice warm socks.  But my secret weapon? A warm winter hat. 

Since most heat escapes your head a warm winter stocking cap is a must. I also like winter hats because I can pull it down over my eyes and it blocks the early morning sun so I can sleep in a little more. If it’s really cold I’ll bring mittens or put socks on the tots hands too.


3. Get the kids a real sleeping bag. When I went camping as a youngster my parents just packed a stack of blankets from home and I froze all night. That taught me that camping was cold and for years I didn’t enjoy it.  Now, my tots each have their own sleeping bags, again from REI. 

4.Use a small fleece blanket in the sleeping bag to help keep your tots warmer. A fleece pillowcase to add some warmth on the face and head, is also a good idea.   
5. Little hand warmers in jacket pockets are great for keeping fingers warm, and having them close to the chest/stomach keeps vital organs warm too. 

6. Keeping tots (and parents) warm on cold nights is not always easy, but the old adage to dress your kids like you would dress is true here too.  

Camping in the mountains can be cold, even in the middle of summer. So make sure you follow these tips and stay warm out there!

PS – I received no compensation from REI for mentioning their products in this post. They just happen to be what I actually use.

Goblin Valley State Park, Utah

In honor of National Trails Day yesterday, the tots and I visited Goblin Valley State Park in Utah. The white sandstone contrasted beautifully with deep red rock in the landscape around the park, evoking a welcoming yet desolate feel.
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National Park Week: Zion National Park

The best time to visit Zion National Park is the Spring.  The warm weather of the high desert is pleasant in the spring, not to mention wildflowers are only in bloom at that time of year. Zions has so many activities to keep you busy – hiking, biking, camping, climbing, or even just meeting the local wild turkeys. It’s home to one of the most intimidating hiking trails I’ve ever heard of: The Narrows. It’s basically a hike through a river cut gorge, and much of the hike is spent wading, swimming or scrambling over boulders. I’ve never tried it, but it’s on my bucket list.

In the summers, Zion National Park runs a shuttle system to accomodate its many guests. With close access to Springdale and St. George, the park is a great place to visit for a day or a whole week.

For more photos by Mountain Dad click here.